Mrnalini Rao, PsyD
I believe therapy is a journey of healing, understanding one’s self, and creating ways to overcome challenges together. In the therapeutic space I bring an intention of creating safety, authentic connection, and genuine care for my clients so we can work towards change together.
My clinical approach includes being supportive, collaborative, understanding each individual’s unique experience and creating a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space. I embrace diversity, authenticity and am committed to being culturally sensitive and sex and gender affirming. I approach therapy from a variety of perspectives to accommodate needs of each individual using psychodynamic, process-oriented, relational, feminist, multicultural models. I also enjoy using art in therapy.
From a psychodynamic developmental perspective, understanding how the past impacts the present is crucial for the process of acceptance, awareness and creating change. I aim to cultivate an authentic connection with each of my clients so we can collaboratively build insight, practice new ways of being in relationships, and speak unspoken truths. My goal is to empower clients and help begin their journey of self-love and self-care.
I am an Indian bilingual therapist and offer therapy in English and Hindi. I received my Doctoral and Master’s degree from University of Indianapolis. Recently I completed my doctoral internship at Miami University Counseling Center where I worked with international students, graduate students and non-traditional students. I am passionate about continuing my experience working with children, adolescents and adults from diverse gender, sexual and cultural backgrounds. My clinical interests include identity concerns, relationship issues, family concerns, body image/ eating concerns, trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment concerns, LGBTQIA+ support, cultural and racial issues and general life stressors.